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Donald George Larson
1933 - 2025
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Donald Larson Obituary
September 5, 1933 - June 29, 2025
Fresno, California - Donald George Larson, 91, passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2025.
Don was born in San Francisco on September 5, 1933, to Bengt John and Olive Emmingham Larson, alongside his twin brother, Phillip. He was raised in Kerman, California, with their older brother, Galen. He graduated early from Kerman High and earned degrees from College of the Sequoias, UC Berkeley, and Fresno State. While at Cal, Don played in the Cal Band and served as Oski the Bear - an experience he described as one of the most freeing of his life.
Teaching was Don's calling. He began in a sixth-grade classroom in Caruthers and found his home at Fresno City College, teaching history to thousands of students over 35 years. With his booming voice, sharp wit, and ability to bring the past alive, he left a lasting impression on generations of students. He also led current events classes for senior citizens from 1965 to 2010. Beginning in 1980, he brought that same insight, candor, and historical perspective to local television as a political commentator.
Don believed in the power of sports to build character and community. He scored basketball games starting in 1948 and worked the football chain gang at FCC for over 30 years, all while mentoring students and cheering from the sidelines.
He brought warmth and delight to others through everyday moments and cherished traditions, perhaps most memorably through his legendary Christmas displays. Each year, his home sparkled with light and cheer, creating a beloved tradition that continues through his family.
Don had a lifelong passion for World's Fairs; his renowned collection, second only to the Smithsonian's, is housed at Fresno State's Henry Madden Library and named in his honor. For decades of support, he was recognized as the library's "Top Dog" in 2011.
A man of steady faith, Don was a devoted member of First Covenant Church in Fresno, where he began teaching Sunday School in 1950 and never stopped.
Don spent the past two years sharing a home with Jessica, Trevor, and his great-grandchildren - a time filled with love, laughter, and deep connection, offering his wisdom and gentle strength across generations.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Carol Kratt Larson. He is survived by his daughter, Lynn Roth and son-in-law Daniel Roth; grandchildren Jennifer Roth (Jonathan Lehmer) and Jessica Bryant (Trevor Bryant); and great-grandchildren Rachel, Charlotte, and Isaac Bryant.
A funeral service for Don will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel, located at 202 N Teilman Avenue, Fresno, California, 93706.
Don will be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration by all who knew him; for his integrity, intellect, humor, and the light he brought to the world, especially at Christmas.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Donald Larson
Jul
26
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Larson
16 Entries
Warren Armstrong
Yesterday
Deepest condolences to Mr. Larson's family and friends. I always enjoyed interviewing Don for his observations as a political analyst. "People vote their pocketbook" he would say and he was usually right. Occasionally, I would talk to him at his home and when we didn't discuss politics, he would get a twinkle in his eye speaking about trains, Christmas, and cooking. Thank you, Don. It was a pleasure knowing you. God Bless.
Tom Smith
Yesterday
I remember Don back in the 70's at Mclane high school when he would show up ten minutes before game time to run the clock for the boys varsity basketball team. He was always pleasant to be around. He will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to his family!
Jan Boling
Yesterday
I feel so blessed to have had Don in my life. Over the years we shared so many treasured occasions. My sons´ graduations, their weddings and the births of my grandchildren. We also shared the losses of our spouses, family members and friends. Through it all, we shared a strong belief that Jesus is our Savior and with that in mind, that we would be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven. I´ll see you again, dear friend. I know you´ve been welcomed with loving arms and acknowledgement of a job well done!
Karlene Ryan
July 14, 2025
Mayo and Karlene Ryan along with their sons, Mark Ryan, Mayo Patrick Ryan and daughter Tara Ryan extend much love to Don's family. Don became like a member of our Family visiting often but especially Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday (often bringing a Bunny cake) to our family. We all loved his creativity at Christmas, with baking cakes and sharing the World's Fair collection and Faberge egg favorites. Don called often and shared our lives with his love and inspiration. Carol taught all four Ryan offspring at RuthGibson Kindergarten and we loved the time we had with her. I'm so glad that they are sharing that Heavenly peace, Mayo and Karlene and family,
Maricela Tapia
July 13, 2025
So blessed to have been taught history, my least favorite subject in the world, by Mr. Larson! His love of students, and ability to relate to everyone, deeply moved me. He was a true gentleman and intelligent in every way possible (intellectually, morally, emotionally, and humorously). He made it impossible to fail his class. His passion for history, his unselfish interest in making a difference in this world every way he could, drove him to help his students succeed. I could not have enjoyed history class without his passion for the subject, delivery and touch of wit and humor. I appreciated all the recorded text readings he produced and made available for busy students. He was my first experience of audio books!
Genuinely, one of a kind human and soul. What a privilege to have been his student! Condolences to the family. Mr. Larson and the family will be in my prayers.
Mark and Denise DeFendis
July 13, 2025
Mr. Larson was a wonderful teacher. My husband and I both enjoyed his classes at Fresno City. His wit and ever popular holiday appropriate jackets are unforgettable. Our sympathy to his family. We feel so fortunate to have known him.
Victor ortiz
July 13, 2025
Great person, awesome teacher. History and Western civilization class at Fresno City college 1978. My deepest condolences to the Larson family.
MaryJane Steggall
July 13, 2025
I have very fond memories of Don and his wife Carol as well. He was a close and treasured friend of the Steggall family.
William Matesso
July 13, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved friend. What a legacy he has left behind: friend, neighbor, teacher, community advocate and supporter. Our lives have been blessed by knowing Donald George Larson for over 55 years.
Jay and Frances Cardillo
July 13, 2025
A wonderful friend.
Benita
July 12, 2025
I took Mr. Larson´s American History class at FCC in 1968. I didn´t care for history classes and had flunked the previous attempt the year before at FCC.
I had to transfer and had to pass that class. So, I walked in to his class with an open mind.
Mr.Larson completely blew my mind after the 2nd week of his class. I suddenly realized that history was a living record of America and it was still living and developing daily because of his insight. Suddenly it was real, right there in a room in the old building. This man had opened my mind to thoughts and images that I´d never imagined before taking his class. I am still stunned at how he was able to do that. I loved his class and did in fact earn a "B" grade. I will never forget him, his knowledge, his kindness, and how he was able to interpret history so that it was interesting and enjoyable to everyone.
Thank you sir, you are still my FCC favorite, and yes, I still enjoy American History to this day!
Benita Funk
Paulette JanianMelkonian
July 12, 2025
My apologies to the Larson family for confusing Donald Larson with Phil Larson. My deepest sympathy and sincere apology for the error. Paulette Janian Melkonian
Paulette Janian Melkonian
July 12, 2025
My sympathy to the family of Donald Larson. I did not know him well, but I do remember he served the people of Fresno County as a member of the Board of Supervisors, and he made remarks at various public gatherings. I also remember his brother Galen who was the Fresno County Clerk for many years. It is clear from the biography that Don Larson contributed in so many ways to our community and we should all be grateful for his enrichment of so many lives as a teacher and public servant. The family should be proud of the Larson family legacy. Sincere sympathy, Paulette Janian Melkonian
Robert Shuman
July 12, 2025
I had Don as a history teacher at FCC. He made history fun and interesting. What a great educator. He will be teaching History in heaven now. God Bless
Linda Stark
July 12, 2025
Mr. Larson was my most favorite teacher when attending Fresno City College. I disliked history, until the day I walked into his classroom, and history was my favorite class that day forward. Mr. Larson was loved by all his students, and he will be truly missed by so many that had the privilege of knowing him. My condolences to his family, may our heavenly Father wrap His loving arms around all of you as you go through this most difficult time.
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